Eternal life

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honour your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mt 19:16-26

Christ is eternally amongst us! Emmanuel is His name!

Dear family, in todays Gospel proclamation we have read the recount of the wealthy young man who asked the Lord how to inherit eternal life. The Lord clearly tells him to sell all his earthly possessions and to then follow Him. (Jesus)

For the good majority of us, we are converts to Holy Orthodoxy; most coming from the Roman Catholic church. Throughout my years of service I have notice how hard it is to fully detach ones self from their origins and start fresh. May I say if it's any consolation even Saint Paul the apostles struggled to fully let go of the old Jewish law. However, he went on to become one of the many great and Holy men of Holy Mother Church!

This is something many of us converts will have to struggle with, perhaps for the rest of our earthly life. However, it's nothing to fear, for as long as we cling onto Christ and His Church, all these thing will slowly but surly subside and new growth within Holy Orthodoxy will begin to take place a bear great fruit.

One of the things that even after my conversion cannot let go of is the veneration of a few Roman Catholic saints. And how could I totally let go, after all these Holy men and women prayed and interceded for me in my youth. Thus, it is not just to basically say; "Oh, you were good and helpful when I needed you but now I no longer need your services". This is not the right way to go about things because not only were these Holy people touched by the Holy Spirit, Jesus clearly states: And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Jn 10:16 So although there may be a separation in this current existence, at the end the Lord will make us one in Him.

Therefore Lord Jesus Christ, may you impart the grace of thy knowledge in sending down the All Holy Spirit to discern that which is needful for our spiritual growth and to let go of the things that will impede us from growing in You, who are All Holy, Mighty and Immortal. Through the prayers of our Blessed Mother Theotokos, Lord Jesus Christ harken and have Mercy. Amen